Sometimes an outdoor classroom is the best place to learn. Many of Lake Superior College summer school classes -- archaeology, rock climbing, canoeing, rowing, mountain biking, golf, roller blading, sailing, digital photography, environmental science, Minnesota geology, and drawing -- will be taught outside.
"Students can take advantage of Duluth's wonderful scenery and summer weather," said Jim Berg, Lake Superior College's dean of liberal arts and sciences. "Our summer session outdoor classes range from the visual arts to phy ed to science fieldwork. They're taught by faculty who are highly accomplished in these areas."
Get in shape and see the sights on the beaten track with faculty member Joshua Tesch, who is an expert mountain biker. "We plan to bike everywhere we can -- the Superior Municipal Forest, Spirit Mountain, Hartley Field and possibly Mont du Lac. We'll work on riding skills like gearing, and how to handle changing terrain," said Tesch. Class time will be spent on proper gear, equipment, and basic bike maintenance. The class is designed for the beginning rider to the advanced rider. Tesch will also lead a for-credit course in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in July.
The drawing class, taught by artist and faculty member Tonya Borgeson, will meet around the Duluth area. "At the start of the class, we'll decide where we want to set up and draw," said Borgeson. "It might be Enger Tower, or the Lift Bridge and Park Point, or we may sketch the skateboarders near the library. It's up to the group." The class will cover traditional and contemporary drawing methods, concepts and techniques. "We'll start with ink and pencil on paper, and work up to using Conte crayon, chalks, and charcoal. We will also try drawing on natural materials such as bark and wood." The class is open to the beginner and to the more advanced student. "I find that people with drawing skills appreciate the camaraderie in a drawing group," said Borgeson.
A chance to work on feature, action and sports digital photography is offered through a three-day digital photography workshop. Taught by artist and faculty member Victoria Hutson, students will shoot photos of the Grandma's Marathon events over the June 17 weekend.
A new archaeology class, taught by archaeologist David Woodward, offers students a chance to learn archaeology methodology, excavation, artifact analysis and field mapping using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology while camping in Northeastern Minnesota. "Students should expect some new discoveries during the field course," said Woodward. "We will work in areas that haven't been explored by archaeologists so we have the potential for unexpected and exciting discoveries." The class starts May 30 and runs through July 7.
Lake Superior College's Virtual Campus also offers a number of outdoor summer courses taught online. You can train for and compete in the Northshore Inline Marathon, held in September. Students receive online coaching and training advice and skate the races for their final exam.
For more information on Lake Superior Colleges summer session classes, check our website at www.lsc.edu/schedule or call (218)733-7601.